Sunken Dreams' - SSI Marine Ecology Specialty Diver

An exciting alternative to a standard SCUBA regulator and mask is an Integrated Dive Mask! (IDM). Using an FFM is easy, a lot of fun and offers some great advantages to a standard Scuba regulator and mask, such as keeping saltwater out of your eyes and mouth, keeping your entire face warm during those cold dives in the spring or below the thermocline. There is no jaw fatigue, fogging or water against your face. You can add a communications unit so that you can talk to each other during the dive. IDM Diving will likely change the underwater diving technique radically in upcoming years and a must for aspiring marine biologists, engineers, photographers and conservationists working on a range of intricate projects in underwater environments.

This SSI specialty equips certified divers to actively engage in coral reef conservation and restoration. The course covers coral ecology, the importance of these ecosystems, and the threats they face. You'll learn essential restoration techniques, including coral outplanting and potentially Biorock® technology. Practical skills for conducting coral health assessments and participating in reef surveys are also included. This program empowers divers to make a tangible difference in protecting and rebuilding these vital underwater habitats. Upon completing this specialty, along with Invasive Species Management, you'll earn the SSI Ocean Guardian Digital Card, recognizing your commitment to ocean conservation. This course enhances your understanding of coral reefs and provides the knowledge to identify healthy versus degraded corals. You'll gain skills to contribute to increasing coral cover and improving the resilience of these crucial ecosystems. The program emphasizes responsible interaction with reefs and promoting sustainable practices. Ultimately, the SSI Coral Reef Restoration Specialty is for divers passionate about playing an active role in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans for future generations.

Dive into ocean conservation from anywhere in the world with our Virtual SSI Blue Oceans Lecture & Workshop! This engaging online session is perfect for divers, ocean lovers, and curious minds who want to learn more about marine ecosystems, the threats they face, and how we can protect them. Led by experienced SSI professionals, the workshop combines interactive presentations, real-world examples, and practical tips on how to become an eco-conscious diver and ocean advocate. You'll explore topics like marine biodiversity, plastic pollution, sustainable diving practices, and the impact of climate change on our oceans. ✅ Free to attend ✅ Open to divers and non-divers ✅ Counts toward your Blue Oceans certification By the end of the session, you'll feel empowered to make positive changes — both underwater and in your daily life — and become part of the global movement to protect our blue planet.

In the SSI Freshwater Ecology specialty program, you will explore how aquatic species interact with each other and their freshwater environments. You will learn about freshwater ecosystems, food chains, predator-prey relationships, and the delicate balance that sustains life beneath the surface. This programme deepens your understanding of biodiversity, species adaptations, and habitat protection — giving you the knowledge to recognize and identify aquatic wildlife with confidence. With your new ecological insight, every dive becomes a discovery. Start online today and earn your SSI Freshwater Ecology certification.

Wraysbury Lake offers a productive environment for divers to complete their 4 Open Water training dives in a safe and controlled setting. With lower visibility than in blue waters, but with a variety of underwater attractions, and easy shore entry, it’s an ideal location to build confidence and master essential dive skills established during confined water training. Under guidance, divers refine communication, practice emergency procedures, and navigate new terrain using their dive skills. Diving at Wraysbury also helps improve buoyancy control, a key skill that will enhance a diver's overall diving ability and prepare them for more advanced environments. As you explore the green-water wrecks and diverse wildlife, you'll also become more familiar with your equipment, gaining incredible confidence by the end of the day. Completing Open Water dives at Wraysbury Lake will springboard their skill levels, preparing them for even more exciting opportunities at the stunning dive sites in Malta & Gozo. This is also a great first introduction to wreck exploring and swim-throughs, helping you build confidence for the incredible wreck dives of Gozo and the breathtaking cavern sites such as the Bliue Hole and Inland Sea. Successfully completing these dives will earn divers their full Open Water Diver certification, their passport to dive the world!

Choose Your Shark Ecology Specialty Training PathwayThis programme offers two pathways depending on your experience and goals. Please select the pathway that applies to you when booking.Recreational Diver — SSI Shark Ecology Specialty DiverDesigned for certified divers who want to expand their knowledge of sharks, marine ecosystems, and conservation. You will complete the SSI Shark Ecology Specialty programme and earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty Diver certification.This specialty can also contribute towards your SSI Master Diver progression, expanding your knowledge and experience while preparing you for future expeditions, marine-life encounters, and a deeper connection with the underwater world.Professional Diver — SSI Shark Ecology Specialty InstructorThe SSI Shark Ecology Specialty Instructor pathway is designed for eligible SSI professionals who want to develop their knowledge, teaching skills and ability to conduct the Shark Ecology Specialty programme.The professional pathway includes the applicable SSI Shark Ecology Specialty Diver programme and professional materials, allowing you to develop your knowledge of shark identification, behaviour, ecology and conservation before progressing through the applicable Specialty Instructor certification method.Depending on the applicable certification method and SSI requirements, you may complete a Specialty Instructor Seminar or undertake the co-teaching pathway alongside an appropriately qualified, active-status SSI Specialty Instructor.Professional applicants must meet all applicable SSI prerequisites. For the co-teaching pathway, this includes the required logged dives and completion of the applicable Training Completion Record, with final certification subject to SSI requirements and QMS approval.Safeguarding: Where a professional candidate participates in co-teaching a programme attended by under-18s, Sunken Dreams will assess the safeguarding requirements applicable to the candidate's role before approval.Alternative Dates & Times: If you require an alternative training date or time, please contact Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy before booking. We may be able to arrange an alternative session subject to instructor availability and minimum participant requirements.

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

SSI designed the Computer Diving program to help certified divers become familiar with the features and benefits of using a dive computer. By understanding and knowing how to use all the functions of a dive computer, you will not only increase your dive safety but also make planning and executing your dive easier. The SSI Computer Diving program explores the functions and capabilities of different dive computers and explains how to use these functions before, during, and after your dive. Often, divers purchase a computer and only use it for its basic information. Get the most out of your investment by learning to use your dive computer to its full potential. Start your SSI Computer Diving specialty online today!

Become the diver every team wants on a Search. The Search & Recovery specialty develops the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to locate, document, and recover submerged objects safely and efficiently. Whether supporting investigative diving, environmental surveys, archaeological projects, or public safety operations, this course teaches divers how to work methodically and effectively underwater.In this specialty programme, you will learn how to plan and conduct search operations using recognised search patterns, underwater communication techniques, and team procedures. You will develop the skills required to locate target objects, assess recovery options, and safely use lifting equipment where appropriate.The course enhances problem-solving, situational awareness, teamwork, and underwater observation skills while providing practical experience in structured search operations. These are essential capabilities for divers interested in investigative diving, public safety diving, underwater archaeology, and environmental fieldwork.

In this specialty program, you will gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to safely and confidently navigate underwater. You will learn how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques, estimate distance, how to leave and return to a designated point, plus basic navigation patterns. You will also be taught how to combine navigation techniques to enhance your diving experience. All of which hones your underwater observation skills, improves your dive safety and helps you to get the most out of every dive. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Navigation Specialty certification.

An SSI Snorkel Instructor is a certified professional who can teach and guide others in snorkeling activities, leading both basic snorkel courses and open water excursions. They are trained to ensure safe and enjoyable snorkeling experiences. SSI Snorkel Instructors receive training to conduct entry-level snorkeling programs, including both classroom and in-water instruction. They learn how to break down snorkeling skills into manageable steps, teach these skills effectively, and provide constructive feedback. They gain experience in demonstrating snorkeling techniques, planning lessons, and delivering instruction in a classroom and pool environment. They earn the SSI Snorkel Instructor certification after completing the training and meeting the required standards. Typically, individuals need to be at least 18 years old, hold a valid first aid and oxygen administration certification, and have a medical statement signed by a physician. In essence, an SSI Snorkel Instructor is equipped to share their passion for snorkeling with others while ensuring safety and enjoyment in the underwater world,

The SSI Snorkel Diver programme is your first step towards discovering a passion for the underwater world. It is the best way to learn how to snorkel and develop your confidence in the water, so you can go snorkelling and explore the mesmerizing landscapes and wildlife of the aquatic world. You do not need to be a proficient swimmer to participate in the Snorkel Diver program, and there is no minimum age to join. You just need to be comfortable in the water, able to maintain your buoyancy, and ready to begin the adventure of a lifetime! In this program, you will be introduced to the equipment and skills you need to go snorkelling safely. Begin your snorkelling training and earn your SSI Snorkel Diver recognition card today!

The Survival Swim program provides comprehensive training in fundamental swimming skills for beginners, safety awareness, and water confidence. Participants develop essential abilities, including controlled breathing, efficient swimming movement, floating and survival techniques, while gaining an understanding of varying water conditions and the proper use of safety equipment. The manual explores different swim strokes in detail and offers practical strategies for dealing with stress and overcoming fear in the water. Emphasis is placed on safety, control, and comfort. This program is specifically designed to prepare you for the water fitness evaluation required for the Open Water Diver program, ensuring you are ready to progress with confidence.

Choose Your Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty Training PathwayThis programme offers two pathways depending on your experience and goals. Please select the pathway that applies to you when booking.Recreational Diver — SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty DiverDesigned for certified divers who want to expand their knowledge of manta rays, rays, marine ecosystems, and conservation. You will complete the SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty programme and earn your SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty Diver certification.This specialty can also contribute towards your SSI Master Diver progression, expanding your knowledge and experience while preparing you for future expeditions, marine-life encounters, and a deeper connection with the underwater world.Professional Diver — SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty InstructorThe SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty Instructor pathway is designed for eligible SSI professionals who want to develop their knowledge, teaching skills and ability to conduct the Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty programme.The professional pathway includes the applicable SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty Diver programme and professional materials, allowing you to develop your knowledge of manta and ray identification, behaviour, ecology and conservation before progressing through the applicable Specialty Instructor certification method.Depending on the applicable certification method and SSI requirements, you may complete a Specialty Instructor Seminar or undertake the co-teaching pathway alongside an appropriately qualified, active-status SSI Specialty Instructor.Professional applicants must meet all applicable SSI prerequisites. For the co-teaching pathway, this includes the required logged dives and completion of the applicable Training Completion Record, with final certification subject to SSI requirements and QMS approval.Safeguarding: Where a professional candidate participates in co-teaching a programme attended by under-18s, Sunken Dreams will assess the safeguarding requirements applicable to the candidate's role before approval.Alternative Dates & Times: If you require an alternative training date or time, please contact Sunken Dreams Scuba Diving Academy before booking. We may be able to arrange an alternative session subject to instructor availability and minimum participant requirements.